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mystery play

American  

noun

  1. a medieval dramatic form based on a Biblical story, usually dealing with the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.


mystery play British  

noun

  1. (in the Middle Ages) a type of drama based on the life of Christ Compare miracle play

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of mystery play

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is “Pelléas” not as a mystery play, but as an unsparingly forceful drama.

From New York Times

At some point, the mystery play date arrives.

From New York Times

Ancient inscriptions suggest the theater hosted literary, musical and athletic competitions and even mystery plays.

From New York Times

“When theater returns it must return with danger. I think of roving bands of actors, post-plague, performing mock mystery plays on the street that lead, eventually, to a theater where people assemble.”

From New York Times

At Village Theatre, he directed several shows, including the mystery play “Sleuth.”

From Seattle Times